Last Updated on August 25, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Country music legend, songwriter, actress and philanthropist Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, bringing to a close one of the most remarkable careers in American entertainment.

Dolly Parton Dies at 80

Dolly Parton, whose unmistakable voice, songwriting talent, humor and generosity made her an American cultural icon far beyond the world of country music, died Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Nashville.

Parton died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center following a brief battle with cancer, according to her publicist. She was surrounded by loved ones. The specific type of cancer has not been publicly disclosed.

For millions of fans around the world, the news marks the loss of an entertainer who seemed almost timeless.

From the Tennessee Mountains to Stardom

Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton grew up as one of 12 children in a family with little money.

Those beginnings would become an important part of both her identity and her music.

Rather than distancing herself from her Appalachian upbringing after becoming famous, Parton repeatedly returned to those experiences in her songwriting. Songs such as “Coat of Many Colors” transformed childhood memories into stories about poverty, family, dignity and love.

After moving to Nashville, Parton eventually became a nationally known performer, including through her partnership with Porter Wagoner.

But it was her ability to write songs that helped establish her as one of the defining artists of her generation.

Her catalog would eventually include classics such as “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “Here You Come Again” and “9 to 5.”

Advertisement

“I Will Always Love You,” originally written and recorded by Parton in the 1970s, would find an entirely new audience when Whitney Houston recorded a soaring version for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.

More Than a Country Singer

Calling Dolly Parton simply a country music star never quite captured the full scope of her career.

She crossed into pop music, television and Hollywood while maintaining her country roots.

Her starring role alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5 helped turn her into a major movie star. The film’s title song became another Parton classic and an enduring anthem about the frustrations of working life.

Parton later appeared in films including The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Straight Talk.

She also became an extraordinarily successful businesswoman.

Her association with Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park bearing her name, helped transform the attraction into one of the state’s best-known tourist destinations while bringing jobs and investment to the region where she grew up.

A Legacy Built Around Giving

Parton’s impact may ultimately be measured by more than records sold, awards won or movies made.

Through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, founded in 1995, free books have been provided to children from birth to age five.

What began as a literacy program serving children in Parton’s home county in Tennessee grew into an international effort distributing books to children in the United States and several other countries.

Advertisement

Parton also contributed to disaster relief, education and medical research. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center research that helped support development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Her philanthropy became almost as recognizable as her music.

An Artist Who Crossed Generations

Perhaps one of Parton’s most unusual achievements was her ability to remain relevant without abandoning the personality that made her famous.

Parents who grew up hearing Dolly Parton records introduced her music to their children and grandchildren. Country fans embraced her, but so did rock musicians, pop artists, actors and audiences who might rarely listen to country music.

Her enormous blonde hair, rhinestones and colorful outfits became instantly recognizable, and Parton frequently made herself the punchline of jokes about her appearance before anyone else had the opportunity.

Behind that carefully cultivated public image was a songwriter responsible for thousands of compositions and a businesswoman who maintained considerable control over her work.

Even late in her career, Parton continued exploring new musical territory. Her 2023 album Rockstar featured collaborations with major figures from rock and pop music and demonstrated yet again her ability to move between genres.

Tributes Pour In

News of Parton’s death quickly prompted tributes from across entertainment and public life.

Musicians, actors, friends and admirers remembered not only her extraordinary career but also the kindness and generosity for which she had become known.

The reaction reflects something that made Parton unusual among celebrities of her stature: she became a figure whose appeal extended across generations, regions and many of the cultural divisions of American life.

Advertisement

Her husband, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 at the age of 82. The famously private Dean and Parton had been married for nearly 60 years.

The Music Remains

Dolly Parton’s career is difficult to summarize because it was never confined to one thing.

She was a country singer who became a pop star.

A songwriter who became a movie star.

A girl who grew up poor in the mountains of Tennessee and became a highly successful entrepreneur.

And a celebrity who turned much of her wealth and fame toward helping children she would never meet.

Dolly Parton died at 80, but the songs, stories and institutions she created will continue long after her passing.

For generations of listeners, hearing the opening guitar of “Jolene,” the tenderness of “Coat of Many Colors,” or the unmistakable opening of “9 to 5” will immediately bring her back.

And perhaps that is one of the greatest legacies a songwriter can leave behind.

STM Daily News will publish a more comprehensive look at Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life, career and lasting cultural impact in the coming days.

Advertisement

Sources:
Associated Press — Dolly Parton dies at 80

Reuters — Dolly Parton dies at 80

Related Links:
Official Dolly Parton Website

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Dollywood

Six Flags is officially in “season pass season” — and it’s starting with a headline deal. The company announced Aug. 7 that it has launched sales of its 2027 Season Passes at the lowest price guests will see this season or next, with a limited-time offer running through Sept. 7, 2026. To mark the 8/7 launch date, Six Flags teamed up with brand ambassador Travis Kelce, celebrating the biggest pass offer of the year on a number that’s become part of his legacy.

The big takeaway for fans: buy early, and you’re not just locking in 2027 access — you’re getting the rest of 2026, too. That includes major seasonal events like Halloween and holiday celebrations, plus the chance to start using the pass right away across participating parks.

What the 2027 Season Pass deal includes

Guests can purchase a 2027 Gold Pass or Prestige Pass at launch pricing and receive admission for the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027.

Kelce framed it in simple terms: unlimited visits, especially heading into fall and winter event season, is the kind of value that would have been “mind-blowing” as a kid — and it’s built for families and friend groups who want more reasons to get together.

Gold Pass: the value play for frequent park visits

The 2027 Gold Pass is positioned as the core option for guests who want maximum visits at the lowest price point. Benefits include:

• Unlimited visits for the rest of 2026 and all of 2027
• Free general parking (restrictions apply)
• Regional park access (East, West, Midwest, or Texas)
• Admission to fall haunt events and seasonal holiday celebrations
• Discounts on select food, merchandise, and tickets
• One bonus Bring-A-Friend Free ticket for renewing passholders and new members who purchase by Sept. 7

Prestige Pass: VIP perks and nationwide access

For guests who want more premium access and in-park benefits, Six Flags is also pushing its Prestige Pass tier. Prestige perks include:

• Access to all Six Flags parks across North America
• Preferred parking at many parks
• Complimentary fountain beverages
• VIP entrance access at participating parks
• Free Bring-A-Friend tickets
• One free single-use Fast Lane per visit
• A $20 in-park credit for new Prestige members and Prestige passholders who renew by Sept. 7

Memberships: month-to-month flexibility

Six Flags also announced 2027 Memberships for guests who prefer a monthly payment option. Memberships include unlimited visits and a range of benefits similar to Season Passes — including multi-park access (based on tier), parking benefits, discounts on food and merchandise, and member-exclusive rewards and offers.

Premium membership tiers add expanded park access and additional VIP-style perks, giving guests more ways to customize how they visit.

Why Six Flags is making a big push now

The 2027 pass launch arrives as Six Flags prepares what it calls one of its most ambitious attraction lineups ever, with major additions planned across regions.

Highlights announced so far include:

• East: Six Flags Great Adventure will debut Bakunawa, billed as the world’s tallest and fastest spinning coaster (382 feet, 100 mph), anchoring a renovated Boardwalk area inspired by Jersey Shore culture. Carowinds will introduce Rip Roarin’ Falls, a super-flume featuring a 100-foot drop.
• Texas: Six Flags Fiesta Texas will debut Werewolf Gorge, described as the world’s longest family launch coaster with immersive storytelling.
• Midwest: Six Flags Great America will open Camp Timber Trail, a family adventure area anchored by Sky Hawk, a suspended family coaster.
• West: Knott’s Soak City will introduce Coral Craze and Kelp Kraze, new family raft slides featuring ride systems making their West Coast and North American debuts.

Six Flags also teased that more major announcements are still on the way.

You can start using the pass in 2026 — and more is coming

Beyond the 2027 pipeline, Six Flags says guests who buy now can take advantage of new or recently opened additions in 2026, including:

• Quantum Accelerator (Six Flags New England)
• Tormenta: Rampaging Run (Six Flags Over Texas)
• Shoreline Pier (Six Flags Great Adventure)
• Daredeviler (Canada’s Wonderland)
• Speedway Stunt Coaster (Six Flags Mexico)
• Looney Tunes™ Land (Six Flags Magic Mountain)
• Phantom Theater (Kings Island)
• A major summer entertainment lineup (Kings Dominion)

And the calendar doesn’t slow down after summer. Six Flags says its 2026 Halloween lineup is coming soon, featuring new horror franchise experiences and new entertainment, followed by holiday events across parks — including the return of a newly reimagined Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Over Georgia.

The deadline to know

If you’re considering a pass, the timing matters: guests must purchase by Sept. 7, 2026 to receive launch pricing and promotional offers. For park-specific details and restrictions, Six Flags directs guests to visit sixflags.com.

For fans, Kelce summed up the pitch: more time at the parks now means more memories later — more rides, more laughs, and more reasons to bring your crew along for the season.

Advertisement

Source: Six Flags

📰 Enjoying STM Daily News? Join the conversation!

💬 Leave a comment, share your thoughts, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest stories, updates, and “News You Can Use This Moment!” delivered to your inbox.

📰 Enjoying STM Daily News? Join the conversation!

💬 Leave a comment, share your thoughts, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest stories, updates, and “News You Can Use This Moment!” delivered to your inbox.

Stay connected with STM Daily News!Stay connected with STM Daily News!

ABCs for School Zone Safety: Tips for Drivers, Pedestrians and Bicyclists

(Feature Impact) A new school year means there’s more traffic around school campuses. Between dropoffs and pickups, children riding bicycles, walking to school and all the shuttling between sports practices and other extracurricular activities, this season is a reminder to make every trip to and from school a safe one.

To make sure no parent worries about their child getting to school safely, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Caltrans are encouraging drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to remember their “ABCs” on every trip: stay Alert for Bicyclists and watch for and yield to Children crossing the street.

With students in school and traffic patterns changing, consider these tips so students arrive to and from class safely:

Drivers

Because children outside of vehicles do not have the same protections as drivers and passengers, drivers have an outsized role to protect people walking, biking and rolling.

• Take your time and be patient.
• Always follow the speed limit.
• Use extra caution at crosswalks and intersections, especially if you notice children nearby.
• Don’t drive distracted – even a quick glance at your phone can have tragic consequences.
• Never drive while impaired.
• Adjust your driving to the conditions and use extra caution in rain, fog and darkness.
• If you see a bicyclist ahead, wait until it’s safe to pass and give them at least 3 feet of space when you do.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians have an important role in their own safety, particularly in school zones and crosswalks where children and other people may be present.

• Use sidewalks when available. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic so you can see drivers and they can see you.
• Avoid crossing outside of crosswalks. If there is a signalized crosswalk or marked crosswalk, use it.
• Before crossing the street, look both ways. If there are any stopped or turning cars, try to make eye contact with the drivers before crossing so you know they see you.
• If you’re walking after dark or when visibility is poor, make yourself visible by wearing something bright or reflective and shining a light.
• Stay alert – don’t wear headphones or use your phone while crossing the street or walking across a busy road.

Bicyclists

Bicyclists can help protect themselves by staying alert and visible, especially in areas where traffic, pedestrians and young students may be present.

• When possible, plan your route along bike paths or roads with dedicated bike lanes away from vehicle traffic.
• Equip your bicycle with lights and reflectors to be more visible to drivers and pedestrians.
• Wear a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing.
• Learn cyclist hand signals to communicate when you’re turning, slowing or stopping.
• Stay aware of drivers and always yield to pedestrians.

To learn more and join the movement, visit GoSafelyCA.org.

E-Bike Safety Tips

With more young people using e-bikes than ever before, it’s important that riders and their parents or guardians understand the risks involved and make smart, safe choices.

Since e-bikes can travel at faster speeds than traditional bicycles, they pose greater risk for serious injury or death in the event of a crash. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes can both travel at up to 20 mph unassisted, while Class 3 e-bikes can go as fast as 28 mph unassisted.

E-bike rules vary based on the top unassisted speed, but parents and guardians should follow these tips for e-bikes:

• Many local ordinances and state laws restrict e-bike use for minors or require special licensing.
• Helmets are required for riders under age 18 for Class 1-2 e-bikes and all riders on Class 3 e-bikes, regardless of age.
• You must be 16 years or older to ride a Class 3 e-bike.
• Never ride e-bikes that don’t have pedals as they could be considered e-motos and not legally permitted on roads.
• Ride in bike lanes or on legal paths, avoiding roads with traffic when possible.
• Be as predictable as possible and use caution when making turns, crossing streets or riding in conditions with poor visibility.

E-bike rules may vary by state and regionally. Contact local law enforcement regarding local laws.

SOURCE:

Go Safely California

📰 Enjoying STM Daily News? Join the conversation!

💬 Leave a comment, share your thoughts, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest stories, updates, and “News You Can Use This Moment!” delivered to your inbox.

Advertisement

Stay connected with STM Daily News!